MTCC facilitates card payments in RTL services

Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has introduced card payment options for the Raajje-Transport Link (RTL) integrated public transportation network service.

Prior to this service launch, MTCC shifted the public ferry transportation in the Greater Malé Region, inclusive of Vilingili, Hulhumalé, Thilafushi, and Gulhifalhu, under the RTL travel platform.

MTCC said that tickets for the ferry services in Greater Malé Region islands will now be available from the RTL travel app and website effective Monday, October 16.

The company added that customers can now purchase QR tickets via the RTL mobile app and website as well as from the ticket counters from Greater Malé ferry terminals.

MTCC said that the contactless Visa credit and debit cards, and Mastercard can be tapped on the validators in ferry terminals to pay for tickets.

A customer can purchase a maximum of 10 tickets at one time through the RTL travel app. MTCC further added that tickets bought for single journeys will be valid for a seven-day period, while tickets purchased for multiple journeys will be valid for 30 days.

MTCC said that the travel cards issued to customers will remain effective until December 30 following the changes to the company's ticketing system, and added that the cards can be topped up until December 1.

The QR tickets purchased from the RTL platform can be used exclusively for the route for which it was acquired.

Despite changes to the ticketing system, customers aged 65 years, children below the age of three and persons with disabilities will be able to use the service free of charge.

In addition, MTCC has enabled contactless Visa and Mastercard payments for RTL bus services operated in the atolls.

The company said that the new payment option extends to the RTL bus services provided in Addu, Fuvahmulah, and Kulhudhuffushi cities as well as Haa Alifu atoll Dhidhdhoo, Laamu atoll Gan, Funadhoo, and Isdhoo.

The RTL general bus service is provided through two approaches, the 'fixed fare' route and the 'distance fare' route. Under the 'fixed fare' route, the price remains the same for the entire journey, and customers must tap their cards on the validator when boarding the bus.

Under the 'distance fare' route, prices are determined based on the distance of the trip, and customers are required to tap the validator both when boarding and when disembarking from the bus.

Customers can view the RTL general bus service route maps through the website or the mobile app.